The psychological effects of creative expression, such as that expressed with art therapy, include

a) positive mood, b) a sense of confidence and self-efficacy,

c) enhanced ability to self-express, d) promoted self-awareness

and self-acceptance, e) improved insight, f) lessened anxiety, g) enhanced general psychological well-being, h) more complex cognition that helps
with greater problem-solving ability by diverse ways of interpretation of material, and i) an enhanced
ability to shape oneself and one’s world actively, which are contrary to feelings of helplessness and depression (Craw-ford & Patterson, 2007; Field & Kruger, 2008; Wood, 2007).

Jordan Coiner and Kyung Hee Kim

The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virgina, USA

Although influenced by psychoanalysis, Art
Therapists have been inspired by theories such as attachment-based psychotherapy and have developed a broad range of client-centred approaches. Scientific evidence is now available that supports this
way of working. Exploring the links between neuro-science and art therapy is something I continue to enjoy.